Passage of the Day:
Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. 2 So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor. 3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself, Matthew 27:1-5.
Reflection:
In the first few years of high school, two of my friends committed suicide. Prior to Brian’s death, I had my own battle with depression, as the demon of suicide tried to place this thought into my mind. The last one was one of my teammates, coming as a complete shock to everyone on the swim team. Yet, when your older brother is a high school all-American who received a full ride to swim in college, Kevin fell short of everyone’s expectations. Rather than dwell on times in life when the Devil wins, Christians need to learn how to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit.
Prayerful Action:
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires, 2 Peter 1:3-4.
Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:
Despite witnessing countless miracles performed by Jesus, the disciples struggled with doubt. One of the best passages about tapping into resurrection power is Matthew 21:20-22. Spiritual belief is like confidence that a professional athlete possesses. However, when athletes go into a slump, nothing comes easy. In the same way, if you want to begin doing what was previously thought impossible start believing in the power of the Holy Spirit so you can start claiming this power when you pray.
Song of the Day:
When you make a mistake in life, the last thing you need to hear is, “I told you so.” When the Devil wins in your life, don’t dwell on the negative. Rather, listen to the words of today’s song so that God’s love will give you the desire to press on and begin tapping into resurrection power.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 